Graham

The last chapter left me a bit cold. I have a healthy distrust of women, so if I were GG I'd get some insurance against any problems she could think up, whilst distancing the children from her so she could not get to me through them. Devious creatures women... I'm so looking forward to the next evolution of this story, maybe Admiral Granger; Well done Mark, hurry though ;-) Gx

Hi Mark, I hope all is well with you. Any news on furthest chapters? King regards, Graham x

A really good, interesting and well written story – Thank you. It reminds me a lot of my own past, a past that I have moved on and recovered from; but I didn’t have a kind family like Zanders who cared or indeed friends whose support is becoming available to Andy. As I’m English things were different but similar in so many ways. I have grown up now and have ‘chosen’ my own family and I have spent most my life working with and supporting disadvantaged/disenfranchised young people whose lives are devastated by abuse in all its horrific forms; hope for a better life is a key fact in moving on, but survival is a day-to-day struggle for everyone, more so I feel, for abused people. Thank you ;-) Gx

Hello, I hope all is well with you. Eminent people here mention C.S Forrester, but don't forget Patrick O'Brian... Both great maritime authors, who have given me endless hours of pleasurable, and yes, romantic adventure. I think we have a modern day mixture of both in Mark; I welcome and look forward to this new voyage... Gx

Well done Mark! Eagerly awaiting your next story in this series -Thank you

Dear Mark, I am very reluctant to say this, and wish of disrespect in any way, but I feel that over the last several chapters I have begun to lose interest in this once excellent story. For me the naval part of this story is primus and the sexual aspects of Lord Granger’s life secundus. I feel that Lord Granger is prostituting himself to all and sundry and in doing so is rapidly losing his nobility, his dignity and any aristocratic prestige he once had, let alone his Royal Naval standing and reputation. I find the latter third of chapters detrimental to the first two thirds in this story. Apologies – Graham x

Hello Mark, chapter 30, as in the previous chapters, is so very interesting, intriguing and exciting in many ways at so many levels. When reading your work, I feel as if I'm in the thick of it, with all my other ship mates, thank you. Creativity and historical writing, especially about another country’s military in the 17/1800’s is difficult enough, to say the least. So for me whatever and whenever your chapter posting schedule is, is great. Please keep doing what you do, and when you do it, all/any/quick/slow is all good and very OK for me. Gx ;-)

Well Done Mark - Thank you.

Hi Mark. You are right. Nelson was most certainly charismatic and almost exulted and venerated amongst many other things in England, and as you can see from these paragraphs taken from ‘Legacy of Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson and Monuments and memorials to Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson’. “Nelson was regarded as a highly effective leader, and someone who was able to sympathise with the needs of his men. He based his command on love rather than authority, inspiring both his superiors and his subordinates with his considerable courage, commitment and charisma, dubbed 'the Nelson touch'. Nelson combined this talent with an adept grasp of strategy and politics, making him a highly successful naval commander. However, Nelson's personality was complex, often characterised by a desire to be noticed, both by his superiors, and the general public. He was easily flattered by praise and dismayed when he felt he was not given sufficient credit for his actions. This led him to take risks, and to enthusiastically publicise his resultant successes”. I think from a psychological view in this paragraph, there is a detectable ‘latency’, in Freudian terms, and is demonstrated in these lines amongst others: ‘based his command on love rather than authority’ in the RN at that time this was unheard of as brutality was more usual; and ‘a desire to be noticed’ what effeminate Gay man today doesn’t want to be noticed, in particular and in general we all like to be told we are good, kind and acceptable and recognised for what we do This aspect of Nelson can be demonstrated by his titles, listed below. Nelson's influence continued long after his death, and saw periodic revivals of interest, especially during times of crisis in Britain. In the 1860s Poet Laureate Alfred Tennyson appealed to the image and tradition of Nelson, in order to oppose the defence cuts being made by Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone. First Sea Lord Jackie Fisher was a keen exponent of Nelson during the early years of the twentieth century, and often emphasised his legacy during his period of naval reform. Winston Churchill also found Nelson to be a source of inspiration during the Second World War. Nelson has been frequently depicted in art and literature; he appeared in paintings by Benjamin West and Arthur William Devis, and in books and biographies by John McArthur, James Stanier Clarke and Robert Southey. (Taken from Wikipedia) Nelson's titles, as inscribed on his coffin and read out at the funeral by the Garter King at Arms, Sir Isaac Heard, were: The Most Noble Lord Horatio Nelson, Viscount and Baron Nelson, of the Nile and of Burnham Thorpe in the County of Norfolk, Baron Nelson of the Nile and of Hilborough in the said County, Knight of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Vice Admiral of the White Squadron of the Fleet, Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Ships and Vessels in the Mediterranean, Duke of Bronté in the Kingdom of Sicily, Knight Grand Cross of the Sicilian Order of St Ferdinand and of Merit, Member of the Ottoman Order of the Crescent, Knight Grand Commander of the Order of St Joachim. (ibid) If this is viewed from a modern perspective, there are many parallels in today’s society in that some gay men, revel in recognition, have struggled with coming to terms with their sexuality, which can often lead to disaster and loss of life and with this big debate on gay marriage etc; all of which takes bravery, ‘considerable courage, commitment and charisma’. Gx

Excellent chapter Mark – thank you. Oh my goodness, bagpipes are absolutely dreadful, the devils instrument of torture. The Queen has a piper wake her up every morning I think it would slowly drive me insane. His Lordship came to me on the poop, and after ordering certain signals to be made, about a quarter to noon, he said, 'Mr. Pasco, I wish to say to the fleet, ENGLAND CONFIDES THAT EVERY MAN WILL DO HIS DUTY' and he added 'You must be quick, for I have one more to make which is for close action.' I replied, 'If your Lordship will permit me to substitute the confides for expects the signal will soon be completed, because the word expects is in the vocabulary, and confides must be spelt,' His Lordship replied, in haste, and with seeming satisfaction, 'That will do, Pasco, make it directly.' —John Pasco Nelly (my total all out favourite hero, and such a love) got shot poor old thing at the battle of Trafalgar; we have a statue of him up a pole and in his own square here in London, as i'm sure you know. His last words were interesting ‘kiss me Hardy’ Beatty recorded that Hardy knelt and kissed Nelson on the cheek. He then stood for a minute or two and then kissed him again. Nelson asked 'Who is that?', and on hearing that it was Hardy, replied 'God bless you, Hardy.' The flags B and Z remained flying on the Victory, and the term BZ’s all-round is still used in the Royal Navy today as a nautical ‘well done’. The signal is still hoisted on the Victory at her dry dock in Portsmouth on Trafalgar Day (21 October) every year although the signal flags are displayed all at once, running from fore to aft, rather than hoisted from the mizzenmast.

I guess this post will ‘ruffle a few feathers’ outrage some and I may get kicked off this forum for saying this but it seems to me that this ‘game people play’ (in true Eric Berne style/tradition) is one of: ‘mine is bigger/better than yours’ and is not only 'child like' but futile; and maybe seen from an outsiders perspective as ‘nit picking/one-up-man ship’. I’m all for an intellectual debate, and relish the opportunity of participation; I also have the greatest respect for authors who are ‘good story tellers’ but they, by definition, be ‘good communicators’ as well; but I think a line needs to be drawn at ‘presumptive/envious’ comments on a colleagues work. I get a lot of this type of feedback as a Psychologist. I find an innovative way to communicate with a withdrawn disenfranchised and abused young person who has tried to ‘end’ him/her self on more occasions than I can count and my colleagues ask what about transference/counter-transference or projection etc... All very valid questions, but one has to ask one’s self why they asked in the first place, when the result is plain to be seen: the young person looks up, smiles or acknowledges the existence of another person! Constructive criticism/feedback is very useful and often necessary; but when that ‘constructive criticism’ is tinged with ‘negative phraseology, innuendo, and assumptions’ it ceases to be constructive, and becomes a ‘game people play’, for whatever reason!

There seems to be some ‘point missing’ in past posts; there is something called 'poetic license' and I for one am looking forward to where Mark takes us. This story is an adventure first; historically as accurate as is possible, historic technically, in terms of seamanship and vagaries of sailing round the horn or not or indeed in any of the southern oceans is a treacherous business to say the least; but they are Mark’s choices to make. Mark is the person who is taking us on this journey, we chose to go with him, or not and if his past writing skills, his penmanship, his knowledge of history, politics and of Royal Naval protocol, Royal Court protocol and processes, and the day to day management of a sailing ships is anything to go by then that is good enough for me. I intend to enjoy the story, so please if you need to make pedantic and critical comments take into account that this is a ‘fictional story!’ Keep up the good work Mark, don’t be deterred and let us have it ‘both barrels’ erm, cannons. If I didn’t know better I would think you were a Brit; but in any case, for me, you are an honorary one; your choice of course lol ;-)

Marks story’s fire the imagination with ‘daring do’, sailing the high seas shagging, pillaging and plundering with our fellow Jack Tar’s and our Aristocratic Captain; Ah, so romantic! Ah, for such a life! HMS Victory is still in the dock yard here in the UK (undergoing a refit now). I was on her a couple of months ago with my partner. We had sex in the Ward Room Head, a bit like a mile high club but on the one and only current ‘Flag Ship’ of the RN, not far from where Nelly kissed Hardy before he died. We are both ex RN so it was fun ;-) Gx

Hello Mark, another thrilling, captivating and intriguing chapter – thank you. Although it would be great to get George back to sea ASAP; I for one think an explanation of the history, context and political nature/importance in which this voyage is taking pace adds to my enjoyment and I am grateful you are taking the time to do just that. n.b., Not wishing to be in any way pedantic, and apologies up front; but for the sake of the ‘flow’ of the story. Ibid - English/American translation: ass = arse (colloquial UK/English usage). I am so looking forward to the next chapter – any chance of making a film of the Bridgemont Saga? Wouldn’t it be great if they made a 'Mark Arbour' version of Master and Commander; with the Galapagos trip in the film as George’s trip to ‘rescue’ Berty? Many thanks and much admiration Mark!

I think Spencer, deep down knows Granger is the right ‘tool’ to use in this mutiny for various reasons, he also believes Granger to be right, but cannot be seen to be supporting this position and is ‘testing’ the political water as it were. If Granger survives the political turmoil and comes out the other end more elevated, accepted, and praised by his King (for being in ‘touch’ with the ‘men’ and resolving the issues); Spencer can take the credit. If on the other hand Granger comes out of it badly, Spencer will have a ‘scapegoat’ for the entire mutiny. As for the ‘with child’ scenario there was I believe all kinds of difficulties with linage and with the sex of the children to contend with and the Royal bastards processes throughout history gives us a clue and sets the president.; especially when power, position and wealth is at stake. Petty jealousies and sibling revelry can become murderous events as history depicts. If the eldest child was female the estate would be ‘entailed’ to the nearest male relative. More recently for the monarchy, not us common folk, there has just been a change in this process in that if William and Katherine’s first child is female she will indeed succeed William as Queen. Isn’t it incredible that this law has only just changed for the monarchy in 2012! I think there is a very interesting process in human and familial behavioural patterns that often occurs and that is: the point at which the ‘child’ becomes the ‘parent’. George, albeit the youngest son and some could argue the more ‘stable’ of the brothers, seems to have started this process in or out of his awareness. If this plays out in the usual pattern we should see George, not only becoming more elevated, powerful and wealthier than his father, but also take on responsibility for his parents ‘dotage’ and his brothers decline in status. Great fun Mark; Well Done!

Hello Mark, I really enjoyed chapter one along with chapter two which is setting the scene for a remarkable journey/adventure in true CS Forester style; thank you. Your knowledge of ship building, naval history, and the day-to-day operation/sailing of these complex vessels; along with the British hierarchical and Royal processes is second to none. I have one comment regarding chapter two and that is one which I hope is not seen as pedantic or in any way derogatory, and that is of the American English/British English translation: I know that the word ‘fall’ is used in the Americas to describe what we in the UK would call/term autumn. Whilst this usage in its self isn’t a problem it just seemed a little out of place in the reading ‘flow’ of what is essentially a book about several major and very British institutions. I am very much looking forward to the next chapters as we sail, swash and buckle our way on the seven seas with our hero Sir George; ?soon to become Lord Granger of... Wonderful, intriguing and a captivating adventure; one that gives/keeps my inner child’s soul challenged and nourished. Thank you

Well Mark, I must admit I am not enthralled with this chapter because of the rape; and the consequences during it. George was in fact being raped twice; and for those of us who have experience of, and work with this type of violent sexual abuse/crime can only wonder as to why it needs to be included in what is/was an extremely good story. I hope the next chapter redeems its self and indeed the story...

BZ Dear Mark! Sounds like Caroline hoisted the Jolly Rodger, beat to quarters, rolled out the guns and FIRED several broadsides lol ;-) My guess is that she may have found out about the ‘spy’ on board and waited/devised an opportunity to redress that and started work to intercept as much as possible to ‘protect’ our/her George; but the anger toward her ‘sister-in-law’ would have been building significantly for the battle/showdown. My guess is that Kerry would have been her choice for the despatches given the long family association; she may have also been thinking about his err well being. I also think the King and the Prince will/may get to know about it and some Royal retribution from a great height may be on the cards. (I do hope so) nothing like Royal humiliation/banishment from society for a lasting effect lol ;-) The new boy's sound facinating; I can understand the difficulty of the imposition though, we will see ;-) Again, I was in there during the bathroom/assignation and in the drawing room/meeting whilst the battle raged ;-) Skilful story telling Mark, an excellent plot, and an intriguing ‘hook’ in for the next Chapter. Thank you.

Hello Mark, I hope all is well with you I was indeed getting withdrawal symptoms, but that has passed with this interesting chapter; albeit a transitional one. Sir Georges’ relationship with the Spanish has always been an interesting one. This ‘special’ relationship galvanised by the Spanish King and the subsequent accolades bestowed on our Hero may well hold Sir George in good stead in the future as the situation develops. As usual Mark, with your excellent writing skills and storytelling abilities my imagination is off on all kinds of possibilities; I’m off sailing the Spanish Main in a galleon revelling in my duties as a ships boy... again lol. I’m so grateful for that – thank you. Flapping er wiggly er odd little thingy's

Hello Mark, I hope all is well with you. I gues I'm missing you

The political intrigue, the mastery of a potentially difficult personal and professional situation and the dexterity in handling Nelson are really well thought out and very cleaver in execution, again Well Done. The interesting use of an English legal term: Malfeasance (which translates to a hostile, aggressive action taken to injure the/a client's interests); Indicates the level and extent of your research processes, again Well Done. Now to the ‘But’! After reading this chapter through several times; my expectation was that Ramsey would have been dealt with in a more dramatic and romantic way; A keel hauling maybe, a flogging round the fleet perhaps, running the gauntlet or indeed No 1’s, (No 1’s Death by Hanging). Which just goes to show that having expectations isn’t all it’s cracked up to be; nor indeed is making assumptions. BZ’s Mark! Flappy thing-a-me-bobs: :ranger::2hands:

Another interesting and captivating chapter in the life of Sir George with the unexpected twist at the end; initially lulled into a false sense of security by the usual business of naval life and then the unexpected twist from the Ramsey letter at the end; well done to the observant and loyal Winkler for bringing it to Grainger’s attention and well done Mark for the unexpected plot line twist - thank you. I was in fact waiting for the inclusion of Sir George in the upcoming family intrigue recently transported to London, and I should have anticipated the ‘sister-in-law’ from hell who is currently focused on the reducing the family fortune to have initiated some kind of mischief, if it is indeed her; but using Ramsey for the supposed downfall of our Captain is inspired to say the least, but expected. Grainger was right to suspect him all along but thankfully was not seduced by him. This and the Calvert difficulties, if became public knowledge; could potentially be the ruination of our Captain, his family and their Royal connections. But what is she up to? It will be interesting to see what happens in light of formidable opponents like Caroline and others who support our Captain. I read this chapter whilst eating a breakfast of Snorkers (Snorkers is a British English colloquialism for sausages. The reference is probably to the resemblance between a sausage and a snorkel. It may have a Royal Navy slang origin) on Sunday morning, nothing better lol! BZ's Mark. Flags below: Flappy things for you:

Hello Mark, another excellent chapter – thank you. I think if I were Granger I would most certainly not trust Ramsey. Ramsey was in fact consorting with the enemy and as such, from a patriotic point of view, could be seen as treasonable at the very least. What kind of person gives the impression of availability to/for his Captain and then buggers off (no pun intended) and shags with the enemy? He may well be in ‘cahoots’ with Nelsons ‘writer’ (clerk or scribe’s) to curry favour (elevated status) not only with Nelson (future shag possibilities) but to get himself laid by the Don if he can manipulate Granger and use the results of that manipulation for his own ends (again no pun intended). This business of Mr Gatling is an intriguing notion for me, being a Psychologist. The theory of men wishing to be in an all male environment is also very relevant today. Indeed my own nephew, a serving member of the Royal Navy currently is forever moaning or ‘dripping’ (Naval term) about women on board HM’s ships, and indeed women in general in the Service. The idea of boys in an all male environment not only learn about how to become men, but the need for a positive male role model is a need, also a hero perhaps? Who better to fill this need than their Captain; if the assumption is that the captain is ‘off limits’ as it were, then the next best thing is the Jimmy. (Jimmy being the first lieutenant lieu·ten·ant (loo-ten-uhnt; in Brit. use, except in the Royal Navy, then its lef-ten-uhnt) I think all boys go through a sexual stage during which there is/may be a sexual attraction to older men; weather they act on this type of attraction is another matter, some do and some don’t. My guess is that our Mr Gatling is somewhere in the middle of all of this. Only time will tell, and of course Mark’s excellent imagination and writing skills. Well done mark, you have my undying attention – thank you. A flappy thing or two:

Hi Mark, an excellent chapter again – thank you. I do enjoy your ability to take time and build the story and depict the almost nonchalance of Granger and Nelson during battle. It’s almost as if they were at a tea party on the lawns of the Palace dodging croquet balls, a very vivid image for me. Nelson’s detachment, ‘foppish’, flamboyant and arrogant behaviour is very well known (not dissimilar to Montgomery more recently) and an interesting contrast to Grangers attachment and realism for the human consequence and his innate practicality which is part of who Granger is. But as you/he said and may well hinder his promotion but there is always an exception to the rule, thankfully; which of course ignites the curiosity for the intrigue. It will be interesting to see how this plays out, and I am eagerly awaiting the next chapter. I hope my enthusiasm for your output doesn’t give the impression that my expectation is that of a ‘Henry Ford’ production line, it’s not intended in that way. I know historical writing takes huge research to be factual and creative and you do that so well. xx

Hi Mark, Well Done! I must admit, being a Nautical kind of a Chap, I do like the focus to be on the nautical processes and sex as a by-product of that. But that is just me, and I understand you have to keep a balance for everyone, which you do so well. My school boy literary hero was: Cecil Scott "C.S." Forester was the pen name of Cecil Louis Troughton Smith, as I'm sure you know, was an English novelist who rose to fame with tales of naval warfare. His most notable works were the 11-book Horation Hornblower series, depicting a Royal Navy officer during the Napoleonic wars. I'm also sure you know the original Hornblower tales began with the 1937 novel The Happy Return (U.S. title Beat to Quarters) with the appearance of a junior Royal Navy captain on independent duty on a secret mission to Central America, though later stories would fill out his earlier years, starting with an unpromising beginning as a seasick midshipman. As the Napoleonic Wars progress, he gains promotion steadily as a result of his skill and daring, despite his initial poverty and lack of influential friends. Eventually, after surviving many adventures in a wide variety of locales, he rises to the pinnacle of his profession, promoted to Admiral of the Fleet, knighted as a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, and named the 1st Baron Hornblower. Ernest Hemingway is quoted as saying, "I recommend Forester to everyone literate I know," and my other hero Winston Churchill stated, "I find Hornblower admirable." What I love about your series is that you add the bits CS Forrester didn't/couldn't. I think the immortal line from Nelson on his death bed at the battle of Trafalgar: 'Kiss me Hardy' inflamed my curiosity and because of that your story telling is more fulfilling, and some would say more appropriate for me after all these years. I can’t help but notice that Hornblower and Sir George have some similarities. Of course Sir George didn’t come from an ‘impoverished background’ nor did he lack ‘influential friends’ as Hornblower did; who’s journey through the RN was none the less epic. I hope you don’t mind my reference to CS Forrester; who excited me as a lad; now you have taken up that role for me as a man. I thank you Graham XX